The snow-covered Kilimanjaro above clouds with a voilet and pink sky
Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO
Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO

Climb Kilimanjaro via the 7-Day Machame Route

From $2,408 USD* / Breathtaking Summit Views / 9 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice

Climb Kilimanjaro via the 7-Day Machame Route

You want to climb Kilimanjaro and finally cross it off your bucket list? The 7-day Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, is one of the most popular and scenic ways to reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. With challenging terrain, breathtaking views and more time to acclimatise than on the shorter 6-day trek, this route offers an unforgettable mountain adventure. And the best thing: every day brings something new as it takes you through lush rainforests, open moorlands, rocky alpine landscapes, and more.

Trip highlights

  • Climb Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route.
  • Tackle the famous Barranco Wall with your mountain guides.
  • Enjoy more time to acclimatise on the 7-day itinerary.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 metres), Africa’s highest point.

Is the 7-Day Machame Route right for me?

The Machame Route is known for its challenging terrain, which earned it the nickname Whiskey Route in comparison to the easier Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery, including views of Mount Meru on clear days. The route also follows a different trail for the descent, giving you even more of Kilimanjaro’s beautiful landscapes to discover.

While the 7-day itinerary allows more time to acclimatise than the 6-day option, climbing Kilimanjaro remains physically demanding. Good preparation, a steady pace and proper acclimatisation are essential if you want to reach the summit.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Africa Safari Trips

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, and having the right team makes all the difference! With Africa Safari Trips, you’re supported by experienced local mountain guides, porters and a cook throughout your journey.

Your crew takes care of all practical details, carries equipment and prepares nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up. Your guides also check your health twice a day and help you recognise potential signs of altitude sickness, so you can focus on your climb.

Before your adventure begins, you receive a comprehensive preparation guide with practical tips on training, packing, equipment rental and what to expect on the mountain.

We’re also committed to responsible trekking, respecting both the mountain and the hardworking crew who make your adventure possible.

Prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure

A little preparation goes a long way! Watch our Kilimanjaro preparation video or explore our tips on getting ready for your climb.

Ready to take on Kilimanjaro? Feel free to contact our team. We’re happy to help you prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Our Tanzania trips were previously exclusively offered by our sister company, Tanzania Specialist. Now you can enjoy them with us too.

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Machame route (1/7) | Machame Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) - Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft)
  • Day 3: Machame route (2/7) | Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft) - Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft)
  • Day 4: Machame route (3/7) | Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959 ft)
  • Day 5: Machame route (4/7) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)
  • Day 6: Machame route (5/7) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)
  • Day 7: Machame route (6/7) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/ 12,532 ft)
  • Day 8: Machame route (7/7) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel
  • Day 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Accommodations:

Day 2

Machame route (1/7) | Machame Gate (1,800 m/5,905 ft) - Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft)

Our guide picks you up from the hotel in the morning and takes you to Machame Gate, where your unforgettable Kili climb begins! As you ascend through the stunning landscapes, lush rainforests gradually transition into heather moorlands. After a five to six-hour hike, you reach the Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with a heath zone. This is your first day at this altitude, so remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3

Machame route (2/7) | Machame Camp (2,835 m/9,301 ft) - Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft)

This second day on the mountain starts with another nice climb that is a little steeper. You first pass to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock where you are rewarded with stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock, you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route to have lunch and rest. If you wish, you can take an acclimatisation walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4,630 meters and a distance of 2 km).

Day 4

Machame route (3/7) | Shira Camp (3,839 m/12,595 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959 ft)

From Shira Camp you trek to the beautiful Lava Tower for lunch. This part of the climb has many ascents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is important to find your right pace, as this is a longer hike and you might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the increased altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness.

Day 5

Machame route (4/7) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)

After breakfast you depart from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. For many people this is their favorite part of the climb. Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, you have a spectacular view to the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

A more difficult hike starts later on to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.

Day 6

Machame route (5/7) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

Today you hike to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your ascent to Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.

Day 7

Machame route (6/7) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/ 12,532 ft)

The big day has arrived! Around midnight, you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a short time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph, you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.

Day 8

Machame route (7/7) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

The Millennium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit the day before. After breakfast, you take an easy walk to Mweka Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay forever with you!

Accommodations:

Day 9

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Africa Safari Trips?

  • We are based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda)
  • We offer private safaris
  • We have world class safari guides
  • You get Expert advice
  • Best value for money
  • Own safari vehicles
  • No limit on driving distance
  • Worry-free Hakuna Matata package
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